This is the second volume in what will be in a complete annotated English translation of the corresondence of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). It comprises letters in which Hildegard offers much advice to spiritual leaders abbots and abbesses, for the most part) on how to help their communities without harming their own spiritual development.

This is the second volume in what will be a translation with full scholarly apparatus of the entire correspondence of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). The translation follows Van Acker's definitive new edition of the Latin text, which is being published serially in Belgium by Brepols. As in that edition, the letters are organized according to the rank of the addressees. The first volume included ninety letters to and from the highest ranking prelates in Hildegard's world: popes, archbishops, and bishops. Volume II comprises letters 91-217, in which Hildegard addresses lower-ranking spiritual leaders (abbots and abbesses, for the most part) offering advice and consolation, and is particularly noteworthy for the correspondence with Guilbert of Gembloux, who provides a wealth of information about the saint and her spiritual gift.

The appearance of the second volume of translations of Hildegard's letters...is an event to be welcomed. It makes accessible, in readable and accurate translations, another tranche of Hildegard's correspondence.